American Equity Investment Life Holding Company announced that its board of directors has declared an annual cash dividend of 28c per share to owners of its common stock. This is an 8% increase from the 26c annual dividend declared on November 16, 2017. This marks the twentieth consecutive year a cash dividend has been declared and the fifteenth year in a row that the company has increased its cash dividend.

HIGHER: Clementia Pharmaceuticals (CMTA), up 6% after reporting Phase 2B data of Palovarotene for treatment of patients with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, or FOP... Cara Therapeutics (CARA), up 18% after it licensed worldwide rights, except in the U.S., Japan and South Korea, to commercialize Korsuva injection for the treatment of chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus in dialysis patients to a joint company of Vifor Pharma Group and Fresenius Medical Care (FMS)... American Equity Investment Life (AEL), up 8% after confirming reports that it is in preliminary discussions regarding a potential transaction. UP AFTER EARNINGS: Tiffany (TIF), up 15%... Lowe's (LOW), up 5.5%... Ralph Lauren (RL), up 5%. DOWN AFTER EARNINGS: Target (TGT), down 6%.... HP Enterprise (HPE), down 4%... Red Robin (RRGB), down 20%. ALSO LOWER: Shake Shack (SHAK), down 2.5% after the stock was downgraded to Neutral from Buy at Longbow.

American Equity Investment Life Holding Company notes the recent market rumors and confirms that it is in preliminary discussions regarding a potential transaction. No assurance can be given that such discussions will continue, that any definitive agreement will be reached with respect to a transaction or that a transaction will be consummated. American Equity does not intend to make any further press releases or announcements regarding this matter unless and until a definitive agreement has been reached.

American Equity (AEL) is exploring a sale after it attracted takeover interest, according to Reuters, citing people familiar with the matter. Reinsurance firms, like Athene Holding (ATH), and annuities and life insurance providers, such as Fidelity & Guaranty Life, could be among those expressing an interest in an acquisition of American Equity, sources said. Reference Link